Synod of the Trinity Communications Coordinator Mike Givler recently shared some helpful information on the Zoom video conferencing platform‘s latest update. As Zoom continues to make adjustments to its program, which many of us have been relying on to host meetings and worship during the pandemic, here are a few things to be aware of:

  • Make sure you are up-to-date. 
    • The latest version is 5.4.7.
    • To check your version, open the Zoom desktop client (the app/program, not the website) and a Sign In/Join a Meeting pop-up will appear. At the bottom of that, you’ll see what version you have.
    • If you need to update, log in to the website and look for Resources in the upper right corner (beside Support), then go to Download Zoom Client and select the first item, Zoom Client for Meetings. Or, on the desktop client, click your profile in the upper right corner and select Check for Updates.
    • Regarding updates: According to Zoom Support, if there is a new update, Zoom should provide a pop-up notification within 24 hours of you logging into the desktop client.
  • IMPORTANT FUNCTION CHANGES IN 5.4.7
    • The Raise Hand and Yes/No buttons have moved from the Participants button to the Reactions button.
    • Hosts and co-hosts can now raise hands, which wasn’t available before.
    • The “Yes/No” reactions now only last for 10 seconds, which can be a problem if you are using this function for voting in a meeting.
      • One way to get around this is to use the “Raise Hand” function to vote, which will require a time for voting “yes,” then lowering everyone’s hands, and then having a second vote for “no.”
    • New Side-by-Side View now lets you spotlight multiple people at once, instead of only allowing Speaker View or Gallery View.
      • To enable this, go to the Participants panel and click “More” next to someone’s name, then “Spotlight for Everyone.” You can spotlight multiple other people after that to have them featured on people’s screens
      • This is nice if you have two people who are alternating speaking parts during a meeting or worship service.